Music

Music degrees definitely have a cachet, but don't get carried away on some FameAcademy kick - this is going to be hard work, whatever side of the music divide you land on.

There used to be a split between music colleges (or conservatoires), which offered diplomas, and universities, which offered degrees. Much of that distinction is now gone and all the institutions offer degrees, but, generally speaking, among the conservatoires more emphasis is still placed on the practical aspects of music rather than the theory and history of the subject.

The basics, though, remain the same. After three years (or four at a conservatoire), you should come out with a BMus (although it could be a BA in some places and if you do a music technology degree, you could end up with a BSc). Courses vary hugely from classical performance to running a recording studio, but they should all give you a breadth of musical knowledge and appreciation. On almost every course, you'll find similar core modules, likely to include composition, theory, history of music, performance and analysis. In recent times, music degrees have tended to open out to wider influences, so modules involving "world" music (ethnomusicology), business administration and innovation are popping up, while departments are also reaching out to be more inclusive to ethnic minority students. Popular music degrees too are experiencing something of a boom.

Assessment is done in a range of ways, the emphasis changing depending on the institution. There is likely to be a combination of practical tests (which can include performance) and coursework, but some use takeaway papers, log books, presentations, continuous assessment, or even good old-fashioned exams. As for the qualifications to actually get there, the chances are that you'll need two or three A-levels, including music, or a Btec in music technology or studio techniques if that's the direction you're heading. If you want to be a performer, you'll need to be grade eight: a high degree of technical proficiency will be essential and the willingness to collaborate will be a distinct advantage. Some (usually the more old-fashioned) departments also require a minimum grade on the piano - it's usually about grade five or six, and is because they make the students do keyboard harmony. That may be an issue with some non-pianists.

The employment prospects are good, although not all graduates continue with music. Making it as a performer is notoriously competitive and 90% of those who make a living this way are self-employed and must teach or find other work to supplement their income. Others teach full-time or go into arts administration, while the music technologists can find a home in the industry as sound engineers or technicians, or work in broadcasting.